This story is part of Rethinking Resilience, a BPR and Grist series that explores the tools, skills, and networks helping Western North Carolina prepare for future disasters.
In an era of digital communication, a group of radio enthusiasts in Western North Carolina is rediscovering the power of radio waves. Each Saturday night, William Walker, a retired railroad worker, orchestrates a weekly radio check-in from Fletcher, connecting with fellow hobbyists via a repeater positioned high in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
These sessions, or “nets,” involve participants from nearby Arden to as far as Blacksburg, South Carolina, sharing personal updates. Walker also engages them with trivia questions, like a recent one on mental health: “True or false: Avoiding your phone for an hour or two can make ordinary activities seem surprisingly interesting?” A respondent guessed, “True,” and Walker confirmed, “Taking a break gives your attention a chance to settle, making things such as reading, cooking, walking, or simply watching the world outside feel more rewarding.”
This lively exchange lasts about thirty minutes, with Walker as the host, creating a welcoming atmosphere. “It’s kind of like having family come into your living room every Saturday night,” Walker explained in an interview with BPR. These gatherings also serve a critical function: ensuring participants’ equipment is operational in case of emergencies.
The significance of such a backup system grew after Hurricane Helene disrupted communication for many in Western North Carolina. GMRS, or General Mobile Radio Service, offers a solution, allowing towns or regions to maintain communication without relying on internet or cell services. Acquiring a license is straightforward and costs $35, with no test required.
Following the hurricane, GMRS licenses surged by 130% in the subsequent year, based on FCC data.
The “superpower” of radio
Justin Hamel from Fairview witnessed GMRS’s effectiveness when a landslide isolated his mountain neighborhood after Helene, disrupting cell and internet services. To counter this, Hamel distributed GMRS-enabled walkie-talkies among neighbors, facilitating the exchange of crucial information about water, supplies, and emergency responses, including relaying a 911 call that dispatched a helicopter.
Motivated by this, Hamel founded the WNC Radio Project, a nonprofit aimed at promoting GMRS knowledge and extending radio coverage through mountaintop repeaters. These repeaters amplify weak signals from walkie-talkies, similar to cell towers, and don’t require special permits.
“With the aid of repeaters, you can talk across multiple counties,” said Hamel, likening them to cell towers. He has installed two repeaters: one on Flat Top Mountain and another on Echo Mountain, covering areas like Swannanoa and Black Mountain. These systems were particularly useful during recent weather events, facilitating communication about power outages and fallen trees.
A back-up for emergency responders
Local fire departments have also embraced GMRS. Reems Creek fire chief Justin Lucia installed a repeater on Hamburg Mountain, with other departments like Black Mountain and Alexander following suit.
In Yancey County, severely affected by Helene, Adam Trescott launched the Yancey County GMRS Facebook group. He installed a repeater that extends signals up to 15 miles and plans to add another to connect the county’s north and east.
“This will really help Yancey County be able to communicate,” Trescott said, emphasizing its daily utility beyond emergencies. Although a regular net isn’t yet established, Trescott is planning for it, having already witnessed significant interest at a recent Burnsville meet-and-greet.
With growing adoption, these radio systems offer a reliable communication method for Western North Carolina, ensuring connectivity when conventional networks fail.
